If you chop your own wood, it'll warm you twice
Shanti, 31, lives in Doti with her husband, three children, and in-laws. Life became difficult when her husband had to leave his job in the Nepal Army due to mental illness, while her father-in-law’s illness further strained the family’s finances. Managing household expenses, medical bills, and caring for her family pushed her into constant worry.
Hope arrived when ActionAid formed the Pancheshwar Women’s Group in her community. Through this platform, women received training on rights, child marriage, and gender-based violence. Shanti also attended a three-day Business Development Training, which encouraged her to start a business of her own. With revolving fund support of NPR 50,000 (USD 374.64), she opened a tailoring shop and registered it under the government’s Small Cottage Industry, giving her both ownership and confidence. The shop grew steadily, earning up to NPR 15,000 (USD 112) per month. With her growing income, Shanti purchased two sewing machines, expanded her services, and began training other women in tailoring.
“With ActionAid’s support, I turned struggle into strength building my business, empowering women, and creating a hopeful future for my family.”
The business has not only improved her financial security but also her family’s wellbeing. Her father-in-law now helps with ironing, her mother-in-law supports childcare, and Shanti has been able to send her husband for further treatment. After the 2023 earthquake in Doti, she rebuilt her damaged house and is repaying the loan responsibly. She now saves NPR 5,000 (USD 37.46) each month for her children’s future education.
Shanti’s journey has also inspired others. In her community, 12 Dalit women have started small businesses in poultry, goat farming, grocery shops, and snack making. A 100-member Women’s Cooperative has been formed, helping women become financially empowered and independent.
Shanti’s story shows the power of opportunity, courage, and collective action. With the right support, women can not only transform their own lives but also spark change across their communities.
